The Basics of Preparing to Breed Bovine

Successful cattle breeding starts with preparation. Whether you're a seasoned rancher in or managing a herd, ensuring your cattle are in prime condition for breeding is key to a productive season. At Gursky Veterinary Services, we help ranchers navigate the essentials of preparing their herds for a successful breeding program.

EVALUATE BODY CONDITION SCORES (BCS)

A cow's physical condition significantly impacts fertility. The Body Condition Score (BCS) is a scale from 1 to 9, with 1 being emaciated and 9 being obese. Ideally, cattle should be at a BCS of 5 to 6 before breeding:

• Cows with a BCS lower than 5 may have trouble cycling or maintaining pregnancy.

• Over-conditioned cows (BCS 7+) can experience calving difficulties.

NOTE: Evaluate body condition at least 60-90 days before the breeding season to allow time for necessary adjustments in nutrition.

NUTRITION

Proper nutrition lays the foundation for fertility and calf development. Ensure your herd has access to:

• High-Quality Forage: Hay or pasture rich in nutrients to maintain energy levels.

• Protein Supplements: Especially important during winter or dry conditions common

• Minerals and Vitamins: Deficiencies in phosphorus, selenium, and vitamins A and E can impact fertility. Provide a loose mineral mix tailored for breeding cattle.

VACCINATIONS AND DISEASE PREVENTION

Vaccinating your herd before breeding protects both cows and future calves from preventable diseases that can cause infertility, miscarriage, or weak calves. Common vaccinations include:

• IBR (Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis)

• BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhea)

• Leptospirosis

• Vibriosis

REPRODUCTIVE SOUNDNESS EXAMS

Reproductive exams are critical for both cows and bulls:

• For Bulls: A Breeding Soundness Exam (BSE) checks fertility, sperm quality, and physical condition to ensure they can service the herd effectively.

• For Cows and Heifers: A reproductive exam assesses cycling, pregnancy readiness, and overall uterine health.

SYNCHRONIZE ESTRUS CYCLES

Estrus synchronization is a valuable tool to make breeding more efficient, particularly for ranchers using artificial insemination (AI). Synchronization programs allow you to:

• Control the timing of breeding and calving

• Improve conception rates

• Group calving to streamline management

MONITOR BULL-TO-COW RATIOS

If you're breeding naturally, ensure an adequate bull-to-cow ratio. In most herds:

• One mature bull can service 20-30 cows.

• For younger bulls, the ratio should be lower to prevent fatigue and ensure coverage.

MANAGE STRESS AND ENVIRONMENT

Stress can significantly impact fertility in cattle. Before and during breeding:

• Minimize handling and transport

• Provide shade and ample water, especially during hot North Texas summers

• Maintain clean, dry pastures to reduce the risk of infections

PLAN FOR CALVING SEASON

A successful breeding program also involves preparing for healthy calving. Before breeding begins:

• Designate calving areas with shelter and clean bedding.

• Monitor heifers closely, as they are more prone to calving difficulties.

• Keep a calving kit on hand, including gloves, chains, and disinfectant.

PARTNER WITH GURSKY VETERINARY SERVICES

Preparing for breeding season is about more than putting bulls in the pasture. At Gursky Veterinary Services, we provide the guidance, health checks, and tools North Texas ranchers need to ensure a productive and stress-free breeding program.